You know, folks, when we open the book of Nehemiah, we find a man in a pretty good spot. He's the king's cupbearer, nice job, close to power, plenty of security. But then the news comes from Judah ~ the walls of Jerusalem are broken down, the gates burned with fire, the people in great distress and reproach (Nehemiah 1:3). It's heartbreaking. The city of God exposed, vulnerable.

Well, folks, let's open our Bibles, I am using the NKJV today and have a look at what the Word of God has to say about this whole business of repentance, fasting, and those things we see around us like Ash Wednesday and Lent. You know, as we go through the Scriptures studying and preaching verse by verse, we find that God isn't interested in a lot of religious show or seasonal ceremonies. He's after the heart.

Folks, let's open our Bibles to Revelation chapter 3, verse 20, where the Lord Jesus says these tender words: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20,) I am using the NKJV today.

You know, here in the UK, folks get all excited about this thing called Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday.